The US expresses concern to Mexico ahead of decision on América Móvil’s Pay TV license

U.S expressed concern to Mexico about the implications for competition if its telecommunications regulator allows the giant America Movil enter the Latin American nation’s pay TV market, several people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

On January 12, US officials, including deputy trade representative Jayme White, told staff at the Mexican Ministry of the Economy and the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) that they were concerned about the entry of América Móvil’s Claro TV into the sector. , reported a source with knowledge of the conversation.

The IFT is expected to decide whether to grant América Móvil the pay TV concession on Wednesday, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.

Controlled by the family of billionaire Carlos Slim, América Móvil dominates the country’s telecommunications market, and its appearance on the scene could put rivals, including US companies, under significant pressure.

América Móvil and AT&T in Mexico declined to comment. The IFT and the Mexican Ministry of Economy did not comment either.